The covenant between the Jews and God regarding kosher laws was established in the Torah, specifically in the book of Leviticus (chapters 11-13). According to the covenant:
- Permitted Foods: The Jews were allowed to consume certain animals, classified as kosher, which met specific criteria. These animals included:
- Herbivorous mammals with split hooves and cud-chewing ability (e.g., cattle, sheep, goats)
- Fish with fins and scales
- Certain types of fowl (e.g., chicken, turkey, duck)
- Locusts and grasshoppers
- Forbidden Foods: The Jews were forbidden from consuming certain animals, classified as non-kosher, which included:
- Pigs and their products (e.g., bacon, ham)
- Shellfish (e.g., shrimp, lobsters, crabs)
- Most reptiles and insects
- Any animal that died naturally or was killed in a non-humane manner
- Birds of prey and scavengers
The covenant also specified additional rules and regulations regarding the preparation and consumption of kosher foods, such as:
- Slaughter: Animals had to be slaughtered according to specific ritual procedures called shechita, which involved quickly cutting the animal's throat to minimize pain.
- Blood: Blood was strictly prohibited, and all animals had to be drained of blood before consumption.
- Dairy and Meat: Jews were not allowed to mix meat and dairy products, known as the prohibition on "cooking a kid in its mother's milk."
- Purification: Certain foods, such as fruits and vegetables, required purification rituals before consumption.
- Health and Hygiene: Kosher laws also included rules for food handling, sanitation, and inspection to ensure the health and well-being of the Jewish community.
This covenant was seen as a symbol of the special relationship between the Jewish people and God. By adhering to kosher laws, Jews demonstrated their commitment to God's commandments and their desire to live a holy and ethical life.